Sandra McCracken
October 14, 1965 — November 12, 2016
Sandra Sue McCracken of Conrad, MT died November 12, 2016 after a losing battle with a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at at later date.
Sandy was born October 14, 1965 in Conrad to Bruce and Nadeen McCracken, the fourth of five girls. Her parents broke with their tradition of passing on family names to their daughters and instead honored the achievement of Sandy Koufax pitching the winning game 7 of the World Series that same October day.
She grew up on the McCracken family ranch east of Ledger, playing hard with sisters, cousins, pets and friends. Due to her fearless ways and desire to always be tough, she usually sported some sort of bandage. As she got older she joined in helping with chores and developed the strong work ethic that followed her throughout her life. Formal education began at rural Higgins School, and continued on through the Conrad school system.
Following school, Sandy joined the work force and spent the majority of her working years caring for the elderly, with whom she developed a special rapport. When various family members needed extra physical care, she was their caregiver of choice. Marriage brought her two children into her life, and later on she gained two new best friends, grandchildren Arianna and Conor.
Sandy was preceeded in death by her father, Bruce, with whom she had a special closeness. She is survived by her mother Nadeen of Conrad; daughter Heather Aldrich of Covington, OK; son Doug Waite of Worland, WY; grandaughter Arianna Johnson and grandson Conor Aldrich also of Covington, OK; sisters Josie Fleck of Morehead City, NC; Nina (Kel) Bishop of Conrad, MT; Irene (Gregg) Tidrick of Chandler, AZ; Joanie (Jared) Dodge of Great Falls, MT; many nieces and nephews; other family and friends, all of whom remember her ready wit, great laugh, hard work, and rare moments of tender sentiment.
So that her final and lonely struggles might not be in vain, we encourage everyone to seek out those in their lives whose personal battles could be eased by offering compassion, understanding and love.
Oh Sand, we will miss you.